WHO Global Internship Program 2026 | Funded Internship at United Nations
The WHO Global Internship Program 2026 is now officially open for applications, offering undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students a funded placement at the World Health Organization (WHO) — one of the world’s most influential United Nations specialized agencies. WHO is responsible for promoting global health, keeping the world safe, and serving vulnerable populations across 194 member states. In particular, students seeking funded internships at the United Nations 2026 will find this program especially compelling, as it provides a monthly stipend, living allowance, lunch vouchers, and medical and accident insurance. Furthermore, the program is completely free to apply for, requires no IELTS, and is open to students from all countries worldwide.
What sets the WHO Global Internship apart from other UN internships for international students is the breadth of departments and global locations available simultaneously. Specifically, WHO internship positions are available across its headquarters and regional offices in multiple countries, covering public health, policy, research, communications, administration, and more. Not only does this create opportunities for students from almost any academic background, but it also places interns inside the organization shaping global health policy in real time. Additionally, recent graduates who completed their qualification within the past six months are also eligible to apply. Consequently, this remains one of the most accessible and impactful international internship programs available to students globally in 2026.
Each internship position has its own individual deadline. Therefore, visiting the official WHO careers portal immediately and identifying open positions is the most important first step. The guide below covers every financial benefit, eligibility condition, required document, and application step for the WHO Global Internship Program 2026.
Quick Answer
The WHO Global Internship Program 2026 is a funded placement at the World Health Organization open to undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students from all countries. It provides a monthly stipend, living allowance, lunch vouchers, and medical insurance. The internship lasts 6 to 12 weeks, no IELTS is required, and there is no application fee. Each position has its own deadline.
Details About the WHO Global Internship Program 2026
- Host Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- UN Agency Type: Specialized Agency of the United Nations
- Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, and PhD students
- Duration: 6 to 12 weeks
- Funding Type: Funded (stipend + allowances + insurance)
- Application Fee: None
- IELTS Required: No
- Open To: Students from all WHO Member States worldwide
- Minimum Age: 20 years old
- Application Deadline: Different for each internship position
Also check: WIPO Internship 2027 in Switzerland — Fully Funded
Financial Benefits
The WHO Global Internship Program provides a structured financial support package for selected interns throughout the placement period. Furthermore, all interns receive health protection regardless of their location.
- Monthly Stipend: A regular monthly payment provided to all selected interns throughout the internship
- Living Allowance: An additional allowance to support daily living costs during the placement period
- Lunch Vouchers: Daily meal vouchers provided to all interns during working days
- Medical and Accident Insurance: Comprehensive medical and professional accident insurance coverage for the full duration of the internship
Also check: GCF Internship 2026 in South Korea — Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria
The WHO Global Internship is open to motivated students and recent graduates from all WHO Member States. Review every condition carefully before applying.
- Nationality: Open to applicants from all WHO Member States worldwide — check the official list at who.int/countries
- Age: Must be at least 20 years old at the time of application
- Enrollment Status: Must be currently enrolled at a university or have completed a qualification within the past six months
- Academic Progress: Must have completed at least three years of an undergraduate degree program
- Degree Level: Open to undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students
- Recent Graduates: Applicants who completed their degree within the past six months are eligible to apply
- Previous WHO Interns: Applicants who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Program are not eligible to apply again
- Language: No IELTS or language test requirement — strong English communication skills are expected for most positions
- Passport: Must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State
Who Is NOT Eligible
Before investing time in your application, confirm you do not fall into any of the following categories.
- Applicants under 20 years of age
- Candidates who have not yet completed three years of their undergraduate degree
- Students who completed their degree more than six months before the application date
- Former WHO interns who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme
- Applicants who do not hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State
Also check: United Nations Volunteer (UNV) 2026 | International & Online Opportunities
Required Documents
Prepare all materials carefully before approaching the official WHO careers portal. Every document must be accurate and current.
- Resume or CV: A current and professionally structured academic and professional résumé
- Cover Letter: A focused letter tailored to the specific WHO internship position you are applying for
- Letter of Recommendation: One reference letter from a university professor or current employer speaking to your qualifications and suitability
How to Apply for the WHO Global Internship Program 2026
The entire application process is completed online through the official WHO careers portal. Therefore, browse all available positions and identify the ones matching your academic background before beginning your submission.
- Visit the Official WHO Careers Portal: Go to who.int/careers/internship-programme to access all available internship positions
- Browse Open Positions: Review all currently open WHO internship opportunities and identify the ones that match your academic background and interests
- Check Individual Deadlines: Each position has its own specific deadline — confirm the closing date for every position you plan to apply to
- Click Apply Now: Select your chosen position and click the blue “Apply Now” button next to the internship listing
- Prepare Your Documents: Upload your CV, cover letter, and recommendation letter as required by the specific position
- Submit Your Application: Complete all required fields and submit your application before the individual position deadline
- Monitor Your Application: Check your email regularly for any communication from WHO regarding your application status
Also check: UNDP Administration Internship 2026 in South Korea — Paid UN Internship
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now Live |
| Application Deadlines | Different for each position |
| Internship Duration | 6 to 12 weeks |
| Application Fee | None |
| IELTS Required | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is funded — it provides a monthly stipend, living allowance, lunch vouchers, and medical and accident insurance. It is not described as fully funded in the same sense as scholarships covering tuition, but all major daily costs are covered.
What does the USD 52 application fee cover?
The organizer describes the fee as covering administrative costs for receiving, reviewing, and evaluating applications. It does not guarantee selection for a funded place.
Who can apply for the WHO Global Internship?
Undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students aged 20 or above from all WHO Member States can apply. Recent graduates who completed their degree within the past six months are also eligible.
Is IELTS required for the WHO Internship?
No. There is no IELTS or language test requirement for the WHO Global Internship Program.
How long is the WHO internship?
The internship lasts between 6 and 12 weeks depending on the specific position and department.
Each internship position has its own individual deadline. Visit the official WHO careers portal to check the current closing dates for all open positions.
